Edith Beres was a successful stage and film actress before World War II. Devoted to her husband Lebed, a well-known playwright and scriptwriter, Edith was extremely eccentric and although her wilful and uncompromising behaviour often provoked the displeasure of Russian officials, her husband’s exemplary record meant that she was left alone.

When the war began, Edith traveled to the frontline giving concerts to the troops, while Lebed became a war correspondent. Months spent apart, however, meant that Lebed was an easy target for young actress Leda, who lures him into her bed one night. Meanwhile, Edith finds herself in trouble after humiliating a General for his unwelcome advances and consequently, after the war, she is unable to find work. Worrying that her misfortune may ruin her husband’s career, Edith convinces Lebed to grant her a temporary divorce. Lebed reluctantly agrees and, after a time, gets back together with Leda, while Edith is detained in a prison camp. Although Lebed’s and Leda’s relationship is not a happy one, Leda continues to send food parcels to Edith during her time in prison.

Many years later, Edith and Leda finally have an opportunity to meet when a young filmmaker discovers that they are living in the same retirement home. Inspired by their story, the filmmaker, Stephanie reunites the two actresses in her documentary, which wins an award at the film festival in Paris.